Photo Studio Experts: Need your advise !

[LEC_D30]

:?

I am seriously thinking on setting up a proffesional photography studio in the city where I live in South USA and fully dedicate to this business. I am planning of course, to compliment my knowledge with some serious certifications.

However, I would like to hear the opinion of people that has been doing this for living about the following:

a) Is this your only source of income or you have to combine with another profession.

b) What would be the top most key things that a new photography business needs to make sure are covered to increase the odds of staying in business succesfully.

c) Are you happy with what you are doing?

I am not trying to steal your professional secrets, it is just that this kind of advise is normally not found in websites. I have the impression that this forum has several Professional Photographers members that possibly can share some of their experience.

Thanks for your feedback!

lec_eos

[PhotosGuy]

What kind of prof studio are you setting up?
I did advertising, commercial, and industrial. All income came from that.

“top most key things”?
Get a Rep, a good one.
Get an accountant, a good one.
Do good work. Word of mouth is your best advertising.

“Are you happy with what you are doing?”
Yes, I was. It took me to parts of the world that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. (And, to parts I’d have to be paid to go to!)
Now I just free lance part of the time & teach P$hop part time.

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

Hi,
I'm in the process of starting it as a small side business.
The thing I find is that by doing ALOT of TFP work I'm now after only 2 months are allready getting requests from people.
I still take them on as TFP because I want to get more in my portfolio, but after a month or 2 I will start charging small ammounts for a shoot for people I don't invite.

And I will see were that brings me.

Greetings,
Frank

[PhotosGuy]

I just visited your site. It's good enough to charge small amounts now for people stuff. For cars, try shooting them in the early AM & late PM when the light is less contrasty.
Good luck!
Oh, & don't show people everything you've ever done. First, they won't look at all of it & if they only see some of the average things...?
Second, show the very best & hide the rest! So, have a personal site & a prof site for clients.

[NILOLIGIST]

Why don't you charge 1/2 price. Think of it as you are giving them a break and building your book.

You must start charging while you are learning, it won't get any easier later to make the transition. I agree with the comment, you shots are good enough now. Charge and learn, when you feel you are ready, charge full price.

Good luck!!

NiL,